Wednesday, August 22, 2012

SOS-Free

A few days ago, someone asked me if my cookbook — Cookin' Crunk — would be SOS-free. My response? "What does that mean?"

And then, later on that same day, I picked up my review copy of Bravo! Health-Promoting Meals from the True North Kitchen by Ramses Bravo, and there on the front cover are these words, "SOS-Free (No Sugar, Oil, or Salt)." Ah, so that's what it means!

Well, I can tell you for certain that my recipes are NOT SOS-free. I like my oil. I like my salt. And I like my sugar. Those things make food taste good, and I believe they aren't too bad for you in moderation. And some oils can even have health benefits. But all that aside, I had a task — make something from the SOS-free Bravo! cookbook and write about it.

I have to admit that I was skeptical that any savory dish made without salt could taste good. I can do without oil sometimes, and sugar isn't a necessity. But salt? I mean, come on. Nevertheless, I had to give these recipes a try. So I chose to make this Brown Lentil Stew over Brown Rice:

Yes, it's probably the most basic recipe in here. But lentils just sounded good, especially topped with the recommended avocado. And you know what? There's so much seasoning (garlic powder, onion flakes) and chopped onions, leeks, celery, and shallots in here that it doesn't really need added salt. Someone on a salt-free diet could eat this and probably not miss too much. Confession: After taking a few bites, I did add a touch of salt in my bowl. I'm a salt addict, and asking me to remove salt altogether is really asking too much.

But the recipes in this book definitely sound great! And healthy! It's the kind of stuff you'd want to make after a long weekend of treating yourself to too much cake, French fries, and beer. Cleansing stuff, you know?

Anyway, SOS-free isn't really for me. I'd probably add some salt (and maybe a little oil) to all these recipes. But I like the basic healthy framework of the recipes, and I'm sure people on restricted diets would love this book!

By the way, Ramses Bravo is the executive chef at the True North Health Center in Santa Rosa, California. It's designed for people who need to change their diets and health with a quickness. And I think these recipes would work. So if you're looking for a healthy change, give this book a try.

Also, if you're looking to buy Cookin' Crunk, I've added a Paypal Buy Now button on the right side of this page. Click through to order. It's $19.95 plus shipping, and I'll sign your copy!

Hey lady! Shoot me an email if you get a chance...I wanted to toss an idea around with you! I don't think I can go SOS free but my friend would love that...he's on the heart-attack proof diet so he eats no oil at all...I'd miss my EVOO too much ;)

hey, this is cool, thanks for this review. I'm not SOS free either, but my aunt and her boyfriend are, and I have a hard time figuring out what to make for them. I might have to get a copy of this for when I'm cooking for them.OH MY GOD. It is taking me FOREVER to get this captcha code ride! ha ha. I think this is my 10th attempt!

I recently discovered this book and actually really want to try it. I always have such good intentions of cutting back on oil, salt and sugar and inevitably give up...hahah, so this book would probably do me some good and provide motivation! Thanks for the review! Your lentil bowl looks good!

Oh god, SOS-free? That sounds awful to me. Yeah, there's something to be said for not overdoing it in any of those categories, but a little really does go a long way. Especially with salt. Beloved salt.

SOS free isn't for me either. I agree that a little moderation is what counts. Completely abstaining and we are looking at relapses and guilt and all the things that make people give up on their diets.

My name is Bianca ...

About Me

I'm an 11-year vegan, 21-year vegetarian from the Mid-South, not too far from the muddy banks of the Mississippi River. And that means cornbread, butter beans, and collard greens.
These days, I live in Memphis. Check out my cookbook — Cookin' Crunk. It's filled with yummilicious veganized soul food and country classics.